DOMESTIC ABUSE

Domestic abuse is very common and can ruin lives. The police estimate that they get a call every minute from someone who is a victim of domestic abuse. The term refers to threats, violence or abuse between people who have a relationship with each other (or have had in the past).Some organisations use the word ‘abuse’ instead of ‘violence’, but these terms are interchangeable.

Domestic abuse can take different forms:

Physical abuse: Pushing, hitting, punching, kicking, choking and using weapons.

Sexual abuse: Forcing or pressuring someone to have sex (rape), unwanted sexual activity, touching, groping someone or making them watch pornography.

Financial abuse: Taking money, controlling finances, not letting someone work.

Emotional /psychological abuse: Making someone feel bad or scared, stalking, blackmailing, constantly checking up on someone, playing mind games.

Stalking or harassment – such as following their victim, appearing at their home or workplace, repeatedly making phone calls, sending texts and emails.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Female genital mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. If you have, or know someone who has, experienced FMG, you should advise them to seek medical treatment as FMG can cause a number of medical complications.

If you become aware that a young person is being prepared for FMG, you should report the matter to Children and Young People Services or to the Police

FGM Leaflet

Help in Slough

NHS advice

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/abuse/Pages/domestic-violence-help.aspx

Womens Aid – a national charity that helps women and children to live their lives free from domestic abuse. www.womensaid.org.uk/

Victim Support – support victims of crime www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Mens advice Line – Offers support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

0808 801 0327

http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/mens_advice.php.html

Mankind – A charity that supports Male victims of domestic abuse

01823 334 244

Forced marriage and “honour” crimes